James and I did an interview a few weeks ago with Sonia Sly at Radio New Zealand, and it aired on Sunday. As I write this I haven’t actually heard it so maybe it’s a bit presumptuous to be posting it in the ‘Highs’ of the week already, but I don’t remember saying anything particularly stupid so that’s a high in itself. Read/listen here. UPDATE: Okay I just listened to it and yeah it’s been cut a certain way but OMG I AM SUCH A HATER LOL.

Low(e)s:

When you order pants and they don’t fit because your legs are too big. Not to be mistaken with ordering pants that don’t fit because they’re a size too small because they fit in the waist, but when your LEGS ARE TOO BIG. Why did I ever do tap dancing as a child? Why are my calf muscles so big? Whhhyyyyyyy? *cry*

This isn’t really my low, but Maddy got food poisoning and was throwing up literally every hour last night. I woke up at 3am to hear her power-chucking. Poor Maddy.

4 Comments

Congrats on your trip to HK & Guangzhou, the weather won’t be as crazy hot as it is right now. My family is from Guangzhou and last year I went to HK as well so I’ve a got few tips that could be helpful.

Guangzhou
1) NEVER drink their tap water, it is the grossest thing ever, super salty and even boiled is just terrible. Always buy bottled water and drink that.
2) Bring pocket tissues, they will always be handy.
3) Crossings exist but people mainly abide by them on the big/main roads. Don’t be surprised if you’re at a slightly busy but smaller road and it’s your turn to walk but cars keep coming.
4) To cross over large main roads with like 3-4 lanes, they have large bridges to cross so use those instead of crossing at the lights, much safer and easier. Sometimes a bit more walk but it’s also the only way to cross, so keep an eye for those large bridges.
5) Don’t buy high end foreign brands in their department stores, as they are expensive as hell. Even beauty products, they are all high priced and not worth it. Some maybe cheaper, so you gotta calculate but majority isn’t. Right now the NZ dollar isn’t that high against the Chinese, so I personally don’t think it’s worth it. Better to save shopping for HK.
6) Haggling doesn’t really exist no more, especially high end. You maybe but able to haggle at the cheaper stores but it’ll most likely happen at the shabbier places.

Hong Kong ( I’ve stayed for a few days, so not too much)
1)Tax free baby, this is the place to shop! They have an expensive shopping strip and the cheaper shopping strip. Expensive shopping area has all the Prada, Gucci, latest season styles straight from the runway there.
2) For beauty products, go to the Sasa shops and buy all the high end beauty brands. They pretty much have everything and are the cheapest with good quality. However pay attention as different located Sasa stores do have slight difference in prices. They are also cheaper than buying the brands straight from the department stores.
3) HK is pretty anti-mainland China, so becareful of people assuming you as Chinese, best to speak English straightout so they know you aren’t from China, you’ll notice the attitude change pretty quick.
4) Get an octopus card! This card is like the multi card for everything, you can use it at 7Eleven, convenience stores, transport, it’s used in alot of places and will save you alot of hassle storing money and paying. For instance you can even use it at the ice-cream stores or food places, wish we had this in NZ1
5) Beware of taxi’s taking you on a joy ride. Since they know you aren’t local, they will most likely take you on the longer route to your destination to get more money. So becareful with taxi drivers. Best to use subway & buses or even walk. I’m Chinese and can speak Cantonese and even I was duped with my family during several taxi rides.

That’s all I can remember for now, but I hope this helps and you have a blast travelling!

Hey Katherine,
I travelled to Hong Kong three times, don’t really have that organized tips as Nessie does (Hello Nessie! You’re a professional). But still I think the following might help. Bon voyage!
1) Consider staying at Hotel ICON! It’s such a lovely hotel with a view of Victoria Harbour. Nice staff, nice facility, acceptable price compared to other luxurious hotels in Hong Kong say Mandarin Oriental or The Peninsula. They have amazing dinner buffet (especially those durian desserts). I didn’t plan to go at first but later was told accidentally that it usually take a month or two to book a dinner buffet if you’re not a hotel guest. It somehow proved its worth to me.
2) Avoid being there around October 1st-7th. It’s the National Day holiday in China so many ppl choose to go to HK and shop. The streets, the malls, streetside shops (especially sasa), sights will be so packed with mainland tourists. The lines at Disneyland can be unbelievable.
3) If you have a long shopping wishlist and want to check out very mixed brands, Harbour City can be a good choice. It’s a mall with designer brands, skincare/makeup, every possible brand. That place is huge, you can spend a whole day there if you want. Other popular malls: ifc (rooftop with a view of the city), Lane Crawford, Time Square/Hysan Place. All nice and big. Save room in your luggage cuz you’ll buy so many stuff even you didn’t plan to!
4) Sheung Wan is the neighbourhood that best preserved the city’s authentic specialties. Take a walk there and feel the vibe.
5) I’ve always wanted to go to some sights but never have the chance: Victoria Peak, Giant Buddha, Chi Lin Nunnery.. You can check them out at the official website http://www.discoverhongkong.com
Enjoy your stay! Welcome from Beijing :)